Briefly: More apartments rented and more in business

Fullerton, along with Dana Point and Westminster, had the biggest drops in vacancy rates among large-complex apartments in Orange County in the last three months of 2012.

Fullerton's vacancy rate fell 2.2 percent to 4.3 percent of all units, a little shy of the rates seen in Dana Point and Westminster.

Countywide, the apartment vacancy rate was 4.9 percent, according to apartment tracker RealFacts.

The countywide average for rents was $1,637 a month, a record high. Orange County apartment rents were up 4.9 percent from a year ago, or $76 a month.

RealFacts surveys Orange County apartment complexes with 90 or more units, reporting data for cities with at least five large complexes.

Rents rose in all 24 cities included in RealFacts' report for the fourth consecutive quarter.

At an average of $1,391, Fullerton rents have risen 5.1 percent over a year ago.

Vacancy rates decreased in 14 of the cities and rose in 10.

– Jeff Collins

Chamber to hear about healthcare advances

Innovations in healthcare, presented by Dr. Julie Schornack with the Southern California College of Optometry, will be the focus of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce's quarterly Insider's Briefing at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Fullerton Marriott, 2701 E. Nutwood Ave.

"The healthcare industry has made great strides in technology, particularly in vision," explained Theresa Harvey, President of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce. "The Southern California College of Optometry provides a world-class curriculum and team of healthcare professionals that can share these updates with the Fullerton business community."

The quarterly Insider's Briefings provide an opportunity for chamber members and guests to hear from industry professionals speak about local and regional issues, stemming from energy and resource to local affairs and education.

The briefing is $35 for members and $50 for non-members, and includes lunch. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce offices at 714-871-3100.